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07/19/1999 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF NLY 19, 1999 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 1999 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Terry Davis, Kevin Gutknecht, Barbara Johnson, Robert Kane, Jr., George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, and John Rudolph. Commission Members N. Mark Filipi and Bonnie Karson were not present. Staff present include Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; Dorothy Peterson, former Superintendent of Recreation; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; CJ Lilly, Parks Planner; Eric MacBeth, Water Resources Coordinator; Jim Storland, Water Resources Technician; Pam Dudziak, Planner; and Cherryl Mesko, Recording Secretary. APPR(3"VA1,'Qb'RGENDA Director Vraa introduced Water Resources Coordinator Eric MacBeth and thanked Jim Storland for his assistance in covering the workload in the interim. George Kubik moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES pF MAY l°7, 1999 A ~f~JIJN>t 14,1 George Kubik moved, Joseph Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of May 17and June 14 as presented. Commission Member Petersen abstained from voting on the May 17 meeting since he was not in attendance. VISITORS`TO 13E' HEARD There were no visitors that wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. DEPAR"~'NT' J-IAFI?~~I1NG~` Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the beginning of the fall softball registrations, District 197 LCTS grant renewal for Quarry Park, the successful Art Camp at Caponi Art Park, summer program attendance of approximately 1800 per week, camps will begin the end of July, Dakota County sentence-to-serve will be in Eagan for 2 weeks and the weed harvesting from Fish, Blackhawk and Holz lakes. CONSENT A(UENDA Daryle Petersen moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. MVTA -Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment and Preliminary Planned Development. This development will be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication for the square footage of retail space only. A cash dedication shall be required for this development in lieu of on-site ponding contingent on the construction of a building on the site. bEVELOPIIIENT PROPCISALS NORTHWOOD BUSINESS PARK Director Vraa provided a brief background stating that Lexington Eagan Limited Partnership is requesting approval of a Preliminary Subdivision to create one lot and one outlot on 23.94 acres located north of Northwood Parkway, west of Lexington Avenue and east of Home Depot. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 19, 1999 Page 2 Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed the tree preservation issues noting that the site is approximately 75% covered with some type of significant vegetation. Hove then showed the existing vegetation on the site along with the trees to be preserved and trees to be removed. Specimen trees were also identified. Hove noted that the tree removal will be on the entire site rather than phased. It was noted that 161 significant trees will be removed as well as 31,775 square feet of the significant woodlands (100%). The mitigation for this type of removal equated to the installation of 128 category A trees or 256 category B trees or 512 category C trees or an equivalent combination of these trees. Supervisor Hove noted that a "credit system" could be employed for this site with the goal of maximum preservation and required reforestation mitigation occurring within each phase. The exact size and location of each building phase should determine necessary tree removal rather than a conceptual plan, Hove added. The applicant is proposing to fulfill tree mitigation requirements through the installation of 172 category B trees, with 81 of these installed during Phase I and the balance of 91 trees as each lot is developed, along with a cash donation. After having met with the developer several times, Hove noted that the tree removal has been brought down to 60%± and tree mitigation will occur in phases. Staff then reviewed mitigation .issues for the Commission to consider for recommendation. The Landscape Architect representing the developer explained that all of the trees for mitigation cannot be placed on the site. They will meet the landscaping requirement first, she noted. It was also noted that all tree mitigation has been met but mitigation for the woodlands has not. That mitigation will be determined as the buildings are phased for development. Member Kubik asked if future phases would come before the Parks Commission before proceeding with development. Planner Dudziak indicated that this development has an outlot which will have to come through the process when it is re-platted into lots for development. Member Markell commented that although there are some improvements made to tree mitigation he felt there was room for much more in the configuration of the buildings, etc. Lee Markell moved, Terry Davis seconded with all. members voting in favor to recommend that the City Council deny this request for development based on the significant tree loss on the site. RAINTREE HOTEL - SIEGER ARCHITECTS Following a brief introduction, Planner Dudziak explained that Eagan Woods Office Park was platted in 1985 and the office building on Lot 1 was constructed. The PD Agreement originally called for a hotel or office on Outlot A but was changed to remove the hotel use and leave it as office use. 'This proposal is for a Raintree Hotel six stories high, containing 160 guest rooms and suites, a conference center, restaurant and indoor water park. Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed the tree preservation issues noting that the site is approximately 75% wooded with hardwood and softwood deciduous trees. There are 177 individual significant trees on site and development will result in the removal of 143 significant trees (80.8%). Fifty-nine (71%) of the 83 oak trees are proposed to be removed as well as both specimen oak trees. The allowable removal for this type of development is set at 30%. Tree mitigation calculates to the installation of 112 category A tree, or 224 category B trees, or 448 category C trees or an equivalent combination of these trees as mitigation. The applicant has submitted a Tree MitigationPlan that shows the installation of 47 category A trees which is 42% of the required mitigation. The applicant has proposed to install the balance of the mitigation on a site to be purchased in the future by the applicant and/or installed within County right-of--way. Director Vraa reviewed water quality, wetland, parks and trails dedication issues. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 19, 1999 Page 3 Member Petersen expressed concern that the applicant is proposing a 42% mitigation with the balance to be off-site or within County right-of--way. He opined that the proposal needs to outline more specific details especially where a future site may be for the balance of the mitigation. He also felt that other alternatives should be provided by the applicant. Member Gutknecht asked if the County had been contacted to see if they will allow the proposed planting in their right-of--way. The developer's representative stated that he was not aware if the County had been contacted nor was he aware of the other sites discussed for future mitigation. These questions, he stated, would be brought back to the developer for response. Member Davis concurred that he would prefer to have alternatives more clearly identified, i.e. if the mitigation cannot be placed in County right-of--way, where would it go? Following a brief discussion, Daryle Petersen moved, Kevin Gutknecht seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council that this proposal be denied because of the outstanding tree mitigation issues. Member Petersen added that he does not believe this application can be considered complete at this time. LLD BI~SINES There were no Old Business items on the agenda for the Commission to review. ~~W BU5INE,S SOUTHERN LAKES DEVELOPMENT -PARKS ISSUES Director Vraa introduced this item and provided a brief overview of the issue. He stated that a letter was received from the Chair of the Inver Grove Heights Park and Recreation Commission asking that the City of Eagan consider not using the Southern Lakes Park for organized play and to amend the Joint Powers Agreement. Vraa also referenced a letter from Tim Sullivan, Jennifer Nelson, a petition representing 23 properties along with a layout of the subdivision. It was noted that this development in Inver Grove Heights would have to receive utility services from the City of Eagan because Inver Grove Heights had not extended trunk utility lines to this area of their community. Because of the number of issues related to this subdivision and the City Council's concerns that Eagan not subsidize this development in any way, staff was directed to develop a Joint Powers Agreement. In 1997 an agreement was reached allowing this subdivision to proceed. As part of the agreement between the two cities, with the developer's concurrence, a neighborhood park was to be included that would provide a small ballfield and a soccer field overlay for the children of this area. These components are typical in a neighborhood park design, Vraa added. Since the youth in this subdivision would attend Red Pine Elementary, Dakota Hills Middle and Eagan High school, it was presumed that they would join EAA and participate in sports with children they go to school with. It was also noted that there are 2421ots in this subdivision and it was presumed that there will be a significant number of children. Mark Mayer, Parks and Recreation Director of Inver Grove Heights explained that residents were present to share their concern for the ballfield use at this site. He noted that Councihnember Carlson had indicated to Inver Grove Heights that EAA did not need these fields for their programs. It appeared to be the neighborhood's understanding that this neighborhood park was for casual use by the surrounding residents only rather than for organized use. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 19, 1999 Page 4 Mark Ingdahl, 10566 Albertson Way stated he was surprised to hear this park was going to be used for organized play. He stated the residents started this process last fall to see if the use could be changed. He added that he may not have purchased his lot had he known the park was going to be used for organized play and expressed his appreciation that the Commission would be looking at this issue. Todd Kinkel stated his property abuts the back of the park and encouraged everyone to look at the site before making a decision. His concern was for the safety of children playing in the street if this park brought in additional traffic Tim Sullivan stated that the site was not compatible for organized play. He opined that this raises many issues especially since community parks are designated for organized play. He stated that neighborhood parks do not provide for organized play in Eagan and asked that the same principles be applied with this park. Kim Hinkel, 10837 Albertson stated they have a neighborhood full of children who play in the streets because there are no sidewalks. She asked that a plain open field be provided for their play space. Doug Wheeler stated his property was right down the 3`d base line. He added that he did see the baseball field on the layout of the park when he purchased his lot but was told that this was no big deal. He opined that the field had a negative impact to the park and looks like a big danger to him. Jennifer Wilson expressed her concern for safety because of the water behind the backstop. Although she was concerned for her own children she was also concerned for other children who may fall into the water while chasing a ball. She stated she didn't think anyone wanted to be responsible for someone getting hurt because of this field. A resident at 10660 A1tonCourt stated that he did not live next to the park but thought there would be a playground in the park. He also stated he didn't know there was a path to the water tower. A resident at 10838 Albertson Court said they didn't live adjacent to the park but bought their lot because they felt this would be a neighborhood park and this whole experience has been a very negative experience. They clarified that children will be going to Red Pine Elementary, Rosemount Middle and High School. Kendra Sullivan stated that most people had holds on their lots prior to the Joint Powers Agreement being signed. Member Petersen empathized with the residents and was puzzled that Inver Grove Heights did not seem to know much about this agreement. Director Vraa stated that the JPA identified only that a playfield and soccer overlay was to be provided on the park site. Member Petersen clarified that Eagan does use neighborhood parks for organized play. Their use is usually limited to the younger age groups involved in EAA sports, however. He also did not understand why EAA would have said they wouldn't use the field given the unlrnown growth in the youth population for this development. Petersen continued that in his own neighborhood, his park is used, usually 1-2 times per week for youth sports activities. He was also puzzled as to why the City of Inver Grove Heights or the developer was not able to explain why this park was placed in their city by their developer. An unidentified resident stated that the JPA does not specify what kind or size field would be installed in this park. Mr. Sullivan added that Southern Lakes has houses in the outfield, water is behind the backstop of this field and these raise safety, nuisance and liability issues. Member Petersen reiterated that the City of Eagan didn't design the park; that was done by the developer in conjunction with the City of Inver Grove Heights. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 19, 1999 Page 5 To clarify a question, Director Vraa stated that in Eagan, neighborhood parks are used for organized sports. They are designed to serve residents in the community. With a development of 200+ lots in the Southern Lakes development, there was a concern that space would need to be identified for these children to play sports. An unidentified resident stated that there will be kids coming from other areas to this park if it is used for organized play. He added that the developer stated that this ballfield was built to Eagan specifications. Member Kubik explained that the Joint Powers Agreement between the two cities was in exchange for services. He asked if Inver Grove Heights had an alternate site for youth to play sports and if Inver Grove Heights wants to change the agreement, they may want to consider what alternatives there may be. Member Davis opined that this pazk was placed with the neighborhood and residents in mind. Although the children will grow up and will be looking for a place to play sports, he felt that if this is not what the residents want, another alternatives should be explored. Member Johnson asked if the developer could place the park somewhere else within the development. A resident responded that another park dedication has already been made, however, it would not be conducive to a playfield area. Member Johnson reiterated that this is an Inver Grove Heights Pazk and this issue should be addressed by Inver Grove Heights. In response to a question as to whether the residents wanted a field at this site, a resident stated that they don't want organized play identified for this site; they feel they would self-police the issue. Following further discussion Members Kubik and Rudolph suggested that the Inver Grove Heights and Eagan Advisory Parks Commissions meet jointly to discuss this issue and pass on recommendations to their respective City Councils. Member Gutknecht expressed concern that with a development this lazge, residents will be back in a few years concerned that their children don't have a space to play organized sports and their use will spill over to neighborhood pazks in Eagan. After further discussion George Kubik moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all members voting in favor to make no change to the Joint Powers Agreement at this time, to schedule a Recreation Sub-committee meeting to review. this issue and report back to the Commission at their August meeting for further discussion and direction. Member Kubik added that Director Vraa will work with the Inver Grove Heights Director of Parks and Recreation when it is appropriate for the two Commissions to meet. C.I.P. 2000-2004 Director Vraa presented a brief background of this issue noting that the Commission met at 8 workshop sessions to review and achieve consensus on the FY 2000-2004 CIP so that the document could be forwarded onto the Commission for recommendation to the City Council. Following a brief discussion, Barbara Johnson moved, Terry Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to recommend to the City Council that the draft FY 2000-2004 C.I.P. for Parks be approved as presented. YAKKS D~Vi~,LOPM"~NT UP'bATE There were no pazks development issues for the Commission to review. ~VA7`IR R~OURCIMS ~C.IPDATE There were no water resources issues for the Commission to review. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 19, 1999 Page 6 OTHEK-~I3USINESS AND REPORTS SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES Member Petersen stated that the Natural Resources Sub-committee felt it would be beneficial to communicate with the Advisory Planning Commission on the issue of tree preservation. Member Davis stated that a meeting was held with the Forever Green committee and that they will begin looking at partnering opportunities to continue the "greening" of Eagan. John Rudolph noted that the Cedarvale Task Force met and have developed 3 preliminary plans for the Cedarvale area. Each plan shows park property as part of the package. He added that an Open House will occur so that public input can be solicited for these proposals. CASCADE BAY UPDATE Director Vraa explained that season passes are still being purchased. One day at Cascade Bay saw 4500 visitors with approximately 3200 of them season pass holders. It was also noted that the concessions are going very well. Member Petersen commented on the professional staff at Cascade Bay. PARK SITE FUND Director Vraa noted that Skyline Displays has changed how they are looking at the parks dedication for their site. Since they had to proceed with Discovery Park or pay the parks dedication fee at the time of building occupancy, they opted to pay the fee and not pursue Discovery Park at this time. This explained the increase in the Park Site Fund. ()UND TABLF~ It was noted that the C.I.P. workshop would be August 3 at 5:00 p.m. Member Rudolph also noted that the Recreation Subcommittee would visit the Southern Lakes neighborhood prior to their meeting on July 29`x'. Member Kubik asked if a reminder card could be sent to Commission Members prior to the meeting. Member Kubik suggested that the Commission review the issue of City required landscaping and parking requirements as it relates to water quality management. Director Vraa noted that Engineering is working on a new Stormwater Management Plan that will relate to water quality also. Staff will see if there is information that can be supplied to the Commission. ..__ CJRNMIaNT' With no further business to conduct, John Rudolph moved, Daryle Petersen seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. C 1--~-~ S cretary Date